ok, but even that is never used. For instance no publisher ever announces the release of their new "AA" or "A" game.

AA is absolutely being used in the gaming press, particularly to distinguish mid-sized decently-funded (eg, Kickstarter'd) studios from proper indie games.

I doubt you'll find many instances of "AAA" in press releases either. It's an industry term, not intended for the general public.

It's supposed to be A each for:

1. Graphics & Sound

2. Controls

3. Gameplay

So the game would get a magazine review rating of A,A,A (top in each). Hence, AAA.

Remember, it was coined at a time when those three factors were significant to a gaming experience. Not so much now, but still relevant enough.

I'm pretty sure the terminology actually comes from Major League Baseball farm teams: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minor_League_Baseball#Current_s...

I can't recall a gaming magazine that used a grading scale as described.